Celtics Mailbag: Jrue Holiday extension, trade hypotheticals.

The Celtics have come out of the All-Star Break on a seven-game winning run, putting Brad Stevens in a terrific spot to take his time with the buyout market while getting a look at new trade signings Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer this week. Let’s move into some questions on the rosy future that lies ahead for this club as they aim to win the top spot in the East sooner than than later. If you have questions regarding the Celtics or NBA,  or tweet @briantrobb.

If Brad successfully traded Brogdon for Porzingis, do you believe he has the balls to trade Smart for Holiday? The optics of it would be a whole lot different for the fans and it would maybe be more of a slap in the face for Marcus to trade him for a man he is compared to a lot (especially when people were bashing on him for winning DPOY). —Cheers, Joel

I don’t think the optics would have held the Celtics back from making such a move. The fact that the team was able to pivot to the Smart move with the Grizzlies once the Brogdon deal fell through implies there was a discussion that didn’t come together out of nowhere. The team has certainly had discussions with rival squads about him for years before this summer but there was apparent reticence to pursue a move until that moment. The equation I think changed with the way the postseason went last year. Boston’s vulnerabilities were revealed and the team had an obvious surplus in the backcourt with Derrick White appearing like he was undervalued with the most upside among the group. Brad Stevens knows he has a small window to win with this core while its inexpensive thus any chance to upgrade the roster was in play.

Why didn’t Celts make a serious effort for Galo. He’s healthy, was here last year, can shoot the lights out, nice insurance for Hauser? — Josh B

Not surprised at all the Celtics weren’t in the mix for him. He’s not moving around well at all defensively coming from his ACL tear and it would put a bullseye on his back any time he’s on the floor in the postseason. He’s also not exactly shooting the lights out this season (35 percent from 3) which is a major downgrade from the likes of Sam Hauser. The Bucks bench has left a much to be desired this year o it makes sense for them to roll thence on a 35-year-old Gallinari. The Celtics are in a considerably better place with their second unit so they are better suited looking for someone a little more defensive-minded to fill that final roster spot.

If you could cover any other NBA club who would you pick? — Walt F.

Great question. I guess I go with the Warriors. It’s always been a team I’ve sought out as a neutral observer since it’s just a pleasant brand of basketball to watch (up until this year at least). Throw in a loyal fans and plenty of compelling storylines for the present and the future and it checks the boxes for me as a beat writer.

How much does Jrue want to get in an extension? — Kevin OB

He should be asking for the max at least initially. Whether that’s practical for the 33-year-old is completely another story. His market is going to be a fascinating storyline to monitor during the tail end of this season. There’s no question the two sides will speak extension when they can before the end of the regular season. However, Holiday could have a reasonably decent market this summer with the dearth of big stars on the free agent market this summer. A few clubs are keeping a huge amount of cap room that might put some pressure on Boston if Holiday isn’t prepared to accept a discount for a couple more years of added security slapped onto the deal. If the Celtics end up winning a title, I expect ownership to pay up and deal with the ramifications down the line (likely a couple cost cutting deals). Otherwise, serious decisions may have to be made this summer.

Hello Brian. How deep does the playoff rotation go? What do you imagine the extensions for White & Holiday will be like? How many wins do you think they’ll get? Which matchups in the playoffs do you like they face? Any experiments on attack or defense you think Joe should try? — Truth

I don’t expect Joe Mazzulla to go over eight players deep in the playoffs most nights. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser should get opportunities at some action in at least the first half of the early rounds but beyond foul problems or injuries it’s tough to picture him getting any deeper than that. Extension for Boston’s backcourt will likely be based on the postseason. I’d guess the Celtics get something done with Holiday while White ultimately gets to free agency. Give me 65 wins for the regular season and I’d expect Boston would be thrilled not having to play Miami as an opening round rival. Outside of that, there probably wouldn’t be much fear for any possible opponent early on.

I love our defensive backcourt with Derrick and Jrue but if they had any vulnerability it’d be against smaller quicker guards like Maxey and Brunson. Do you see Springer getting a shot or will Joe keep a short playoff rotation? Thanks. — Andy

Don’t think Springer will be much of a factor this season. He could receive several chances in regular season games particularly as the club tries to rest up after securing the East. However, his youth and offensive limitations make it hard to imagine him receiving a chance within this stacked rotation. Ultimately, this was a deal that was more about the future than the present for Boston. They had a TPE that was ready to expire and Springer is getting a very cheap salary ($4 million) next year and still has developmental upside. He’s decent defensive depth at the end of the bench for now but don’t foresee Joe Mazzulla using it unless injuries force him into action.

 

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